I am often asked to provide some light on yoga, not the physical science, but the true
spiritual significance of yoga. It is because of this question that I often speak in many yoga
centres around the world on “yoga philosophy beyond the mat” – a phrase I use to bring
attention to the spiritual nature of yoga.
The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ meaning to join, attach, to direct and
concentrate one’s attention on, to use and apply. It’s most profound meaning is the true
union of our will with the will of God. The system of yoga is so called because it teaches
the means by which the jivatma (the individual soul) can be united to, or be in communion
with, the Paramatma (the Supreme Self, the Soul of souls, God).
As you can see, this definition is quite elaborate and for many who practise physical
yoga, confusing to what it means. Unless its significance is understood in a way that
shows its importance and relevance to modern, daily living, very few will take the time and
trouble to find out. This is why, when I tour centres, I do my best to provide authentic yoga
philosophy coupled with simple anecdotes to give an illustrated light on yoga that is
relevant and meaningful.
Many years ago my Spiritual Master gave a series of talks in India. He began this series by
quoting a Sanskrit verse from the Shvet Upanishad, “Tameva viditvati mrityumeti nanyah
pantha vedette yanaya.” It means, “By knowing Him, one can cross it. There is no other
way.” He then went on to discuss ‘who’ is the one who has to do the knowing, who is ‘He’
that has to be known, and what is ‘it’ that has to be crossed.
From this verse he explained the complete science of the individual self (the soul), the
Universe in which we live (Maya) and of the Supreme power that flows through, and
upholds all existence (Paramatma, God). In these talks he gave the concise light on
yoga. He reconciled all the apparent contradictions that appear in the many different yoga
disciplines like Hatha yoga, Prana yoga, Raja yoga, Gyna yoga, Karma yoga and Bhakti
yoga. He wove such a tapestry of knowledge as to dispel all doubts concerning these
disciplines and showed conclusively their unification and individual purpose. In essence,
he gave all you need to know to advance yourself spiritually, physically, mentally and
emotionally.
Complete light on yoga sutras is not necessary. You just need to know their essence and
practical utility in your life. To have a genuine Spiritual Master explain in words, and show
their meaning through his life example, is in truth to have the illustrated light on yoga.
By his will and kindness, he has personally trained and guided me on the path of yoga. It
is the fruit of this extraordinary knowledge that I pass on through Ji Living, yoga philosophy
beyond the mat.
